AC Milan's head coach, Paulo Fonseca, has spoken to the media in a press conference in view of tomorrow's match against Hellas Verona.
Are the matches important? We know they are. But is tomorrow's match particularly important?
"I think I've said the same thing every day since I’ve been here: all matches are important. Until the end of the season, every match will be important. Tomorrow is a tough game, but as always, we’ve worked to arrive in the best condition to win."
How has Theo Hernandez been in training? Have you spoken with him?
"As I always do, I spoke to him before the match. For me, Theo’s situation is easy to explain. He has played a lot, he’s been with the national team, and he hasn’t yet found his best physical condition. Maybe he needs time to regain his form. Theo is very important for us. It’s never a punishment for him; it’s simply about getting him back to his best. I continue to say that, for me, he is the best left-back in the world."
How is the atmosphere at Milanello?
"I know how things are; you don’t have the chance to watch our training sessions. Maybe one of these days you should come and see them to understand the team’s atmosphere—it’s fantastic. It’s always good to have a positive atmosphere. This week has been like all others, with a great climate for work. When it’s like that, it’s easier to work. I’ve never felt the team lacking confidence after a match, unwilling to work, or feeling sad... Never."
However, the mood outside Milanello isn’t great. How are the players handling these days?
"We all understand the fans' frustration. But I must say, there’s no one who wants to win more than us. We’re working to win, and we understand the fans. The players are strong; they understand the fans. What we can do is work to change the results because the fans deserve it. That’s what we can do, respecting and understanding their protests."
From 0 to 10, what score would you give this team today? How much room is there for improvement? Fonseca replied:
"I don’t like doing this exercise. I see things one way, others see them differently. My scale of judgment might be misunderstood, so it’s better not to do it. As for improvement? We can improve a lot in terms of results. And we will improve a lot, I’m sure of it."
Are you referring to criticisms from former coaches?
"I haven’t watched or read anything, but we must respect other people’s opinions. Maybe now they’re more justified because if you look at the results, it’s easier to criticize. But we must always respect everyone."
Have you spoken with the club about the transfer market? Fonseca said:
"I know this is becoming the main topic of these press conferences, but it’s too early. What I can say is that we are always talking, the club is always attentive to the market, and if we need something, they’re always ready to act."
Do gaps get filled through work or the transfer market?
"We evaluate matches and work based on what happens during games. For example, we had defensive issues in the box against Cagliari. We worked on that. Since then, the same problem hasn’t occurred with crosses. If you look at the goals conceded, it hasn’t happened again. Then the next match brings different challenges, and we work on those. We use the little time we have to improve based on match analysis. The team has improved in many areas, even though I know the results don’t show it. Is it a tactical or technical issue? No, it’s a mental and attitude-related problem. That’s the main issue for this team. We’re working hard to change this and create a strong team spirit."
What’s Paulo Fonseca’s dream?
"To win with Milan."
Don’t you ever close your eyes and dream?
"Many times (smiles). But it’s not just about believing; it’s about coming here every day to work and improve the team."
Now there are matches to try to start a winning streak, even with the Supercoppa...
"Victories bring confidence to us and to the fans. If we win these games you mentioned and perform well in the Supercoppa, it will give us confidence and present a different image of the team."
Milan is eighth, fans are protesting... Do you feel at risk? Fonseca replied:
"Honestly, no, I don’t feel at risk. It’s true, the results are what they are. But many times, people talk about things they don’t know. I can’t come here and talk about things I don’t believe in. Based on the results, we have a lot to do—that’s what I’ve said. But we know what we need to change in this team."
What’s missing that justifies the gap between the team and the top spots?
"In my opinion, it’s not a tactical or technical issue. When we haven’t won—almost every time—what has been discussed? Always the same thing. For me, the issue is here (points to his head). Everyone talks about this team’s real problem. I’ve watched all the goals we’ve conceded this season, and I have no doubt. It’s not just about not winning matches. For example, after Genoa, the same thing was said. I analyze everything, not just the results. It’s not that if we win, we’ve done everything right. Against Genoa, we didn’t win but played much better than against Red Star. But of course, the results make it look different."
Do you consider Alex Jimenez for the right side too?
"I heard about this news—it’s incredible. In this team, we’ve already played Torriani, Bartesaghi, Jimenez, Liberali, Zeroli, Camarda. When I read that they’re lost between Milan Futuro, Primavera, and the First Team—it’s incredible. I said we’re struggling with players. I mentioned we didn’t have injuries, then they started (laughs). Pulisic returned from the national team with a problem, now Musah and Loftus. We also have Okafor, and Morata with tonsillitis. But that’s how it is; it’s an opportunity for the young players. Can Camarda play? Yes, Camarda can play, and so can some other young players. Tomorrow, they’ll be with us, and someone will play."
Why is there such a difference between the attitude in training and matches?
"Sometimes it’s hard to find the answer. The week is good, the atmosphere is good in the dressing room before the match... I think when something happens early in a game, it affects the team for the rest of it. It’s difficult to explain. It’s a character issue within the team that isn’t new. We’re doing everything to change it. The players know it, and they also talk about these things. But we need to show it on the pitch."
Fans have criticized players and management but not you...
"I feel the same criticism that the players and the management feel. I feel the whistles and criticism just like the players do. They’re not just for them—if anything, they’re for me first. But here, we’re all in this together. I don’t think the fans care more about me than the players. I’m not distancing myself in this moment."
Will Francesco Camarda and Tammy Abraham start together tomorrow?
"At the start of the week, I thought about the possibility of having two forwards. But with Morata’s situation, I think we can’t start with two forwards."
What’s different from the seasons at Roma, under your management, when they missed the Champions League?
"We can’t compare; they’re different clubs with different players. How can we improve? By getting results and having the ambition to win every match."
Fonseca, the fans appreciate your honesty...
"It’s just who I am in life—to do things with maximum seriousness and honesty. But not just here and now, but always with the people I work with. I know that the most important thing is results. People might like how I speak and communicate, but everyone wants results. And I’m the first one who wants good results. Even though it’s easier for me to communicate when I have good results, so you don’t ask me tough questions. I need results."
